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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Urshanabi?

2. What is the chariot made of that Ishtar promises Gilgamesh?

3. What does Ishtar turn the gardener into?

4. Where is Gilgamesh speedily going?

5. How does Gilgamesh check to see if Enkidu is still alive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Siduri tells Gilgamesh that the only way to cross the sea is with Utnapishtim's boatman. The sea that he must cross are waters of death. Death is what Gilgamesh is most afraid of. Discuss the significance of Gilgamesh desiring to cross the sea of death in order to find the way to immortality.

Essay Topic 2

Gilgamesh has been on a great journey since he first met Enkidu. Enkidu is Gilgamesh's equal and the two have great adventures. However, Enkidu also represents the qualities that Gilgamesh lacks. Discuss Gilgamesh's journey to discover his own weaknesses and how he does or does not learn to accept them.

Essay Topic 3

Tablet 3, Column 6, Line 229 notes that Gilgamesh cries after an unrecorded address by the elders. Why do you think the young hero cries at this point? Is he behaving like a pouty child who is being prevented from having his way? Or does Gilgamesh have a moment of realization where the weight of what he has vowed to accomplish hits him? Epic heroes cannot back out of boasts once they are issued so Gilgamesh must follow through with his stated intentions.

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